LETTER: What comes next with red-light cameras?

Trip FarmerNorthport

Published: Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 9:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 9:25 p.m.

Dear Editor: Here’s the scenario: The city of Tuscaloosa, through a chosen vendor, installs red -light cameras throughout the city. The vendor gets a cut of each ticket issued to reimburse it for the cost of the cameras and installing them along with maintaining them. The city gets the rest. Last month at the only intersection that had a camera installed, 306 tickets were issued. Drivers will eventually learn not to run the red lights — at least a majority will.

When revenues fall and the vendor isn’t making enough to cover their costs, what will the city do? It will next start ticketing people who don’t totally stop on red before turning right. In another city if you don’t stop for seven seconds — yes, seven seconds — you get a ticket. Heads up, Tuscaloosa. There is more to come with these red-light cameras. What will be next?

<p>Dear Editor: Here's the scenario: The city of Tuscaloosa, through a chosen vendor, installs red -light cameras throughout the city. The vendor gets a cut of each ticket issued to reimburse it for the cost of the cameras and installing them along with maintaining them. The city gets the rest. Last month at the only intersection that had a camera installed, 306 tickets were issued. Drivers will eventually learn not to run the red lights — at least a majority will. </p><p>When revenues fall and the vendor isn't making enough to cover their costs, what will the city do? It will next start ticketing people who don't totally stop on red before turning right. In another city if you don't stop for seven seconds — yes, seven seconds — you get a ticket. Heads up, Tuscaloosa. There is more to come with these red-light cameras. What will be next?</p>